: - 2 
160 THE MIcRroscoPr. 
the results of his own observations, has shown that enormous 
variations exist in the results of the same observer, while dif- 
ferent observers have shown diametrically opposite results, in 
determining the number of plaques in certain pathological con- 
ditions. I think the only way to obtain a reliable numerical de- 
termination of the plaques would be to prick the skin through 
a drop of osmic acid, examine a thin Jayer of this mixture, and 
count the relative number of plaques and red corpuscles. A 
separate determination would then have to be made by the 
usual methods for the red corpuscles, from which the number 
of plaques could be calculated. Even this method would not 
be free from error, for Hayem has shown that enough plaques 
adhere to the edges of the wound to make an appreciable dif- 
ference in the extravasated blood. Probably the most suggest- 
ive observations in support of the hematoblast theory were 
made by Hayem, who has found the plaques in the vaso-forma- 
tive cells of the mesentery of newly-born kittens, where the 
young red blood corpuscles are in process of development, 
while both Hayem and Pouchet have described intermediate 
stages between the plaques and the red corpuscles.* We can- 
not regard the hzmatoblast theory as proved, but we must 
acknowledge that the relationships between the plaques and 
the red corpvscles are most striking; and it seems as though 
this is the most plausible explanation offered.” 
We have now come to the question as to the relation of the 
plaques to coagulation, which will be discussed in the next is- 
sue of the journal.—EKditorial in the Journal of the American 
Medical Association. 
INTRAMOLECULAR ReEsPIRATION.—Intramolecular respiration 
is not a phenomenon of decadence, but is connected with the 
vitality of the cells. Respiration is a true process of direct ox- 
idation. 
* The observation of Hlava may also be taken in support of Hayem 
and Pouchet; the colored bodies which he distinguishes from the 
plaques being plaques containing hemoglobin, and on the way to form 
red corpuscles. 
